Tuesday, June 7, 2011

As Charlotte-Mecklenburg police continue investigating the recent melee uptown during Memorial Day weekend, questions are being raised about whether social networks played a role. Given the drawing power of Facebook and other social networks, such questions make sense. After all, a German teen recently had to flee her own home after some 1,600 strangers showed up for her birthday party. She'd mistakenly posted her invitation on Facebook as a public invite rather than a private one for her friends. Would it be surprising if posts on social networks helped swell the crowds uptown that night?

CMPD spokesman Rob Tufano would say only that police continue investigating all information gathered concerning the unrest "and that does include social media networks." He wouldn't say whether they've proven any cause-effect link with social networks, though. Sgt. David Schwob, who oversees the school resource officers stationed on local public school campuses, said his office has checked the Facebook pages of eight to 10 juveniles arrested in connection with the unrest, but found no evidence those youths used their networks to rally people to come uptown.

If anybody knows of any such posts going out on Facebook, Twitter or other social networks that night, post a comment. I'd be interested to hear about it.

Eric, you asked, "Would it be surprising if posts on social networks helped swell the crowds uptown that night?" You mean the appeal of Speed Street wasn't enough to bring out trouble makers and criminal opportunists to take advantage of a mostly Lilly White gathering of families looking for a fun, safe time?Keep us posted on what you find out, someone other than these punks need to be held accountable

Anonymous trio: I think you guys misunderstood the point of the post here. I'm not suggesting social media should take the "blame."Any actions/crimes that happened that night were committed by people. Social media's just a tool that can be used for good or ill. By people. And since the use of social media is what this blog's about, it's a legitimate question to ask here.

Until the politicians, especially the mayor and police recognize that there is a serious gang issue developing in Charlotte things will only continue to deteriorate. Already I hear so many people talking about the gang problem making them want to leave.